The overall purpose of any camp is to serve the total needs of the camper – social, emotional, physical – through a fun and safe experience, in co-operative, outdoor settings. But going to camp is a big step for children and parents. Here are some key tips that will lead to a successful summer camp experience: 1. Set your child up for success by visiting and touring the camp prior to their first day. 2. Call other parents whose children attend the camp for helpful information and a reference. You could also schedule a…

{{unknown}}With the holiday season upon us, many of us are looking for gift ideas to help expedite our long to-do lists. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Camp Kalalla has some great year-round fundraisers that you can use to get the job done this year! Here are a couple ways you can check items off your Christmas list while supporting Camp this Christmas season: Chapter’s Online Fundraiser: At Camp Kalalla we believe in Wacky Penguins and Cow’s that type. To help a child read a…

We need your help to Name That Staff! Introducing one of our behind-the-scenes staff. She has been working tirelessly on the Marketing Committee and also volunteering with the Ottawa CGIT Committee. Although she attended camp as a camper, she has never come up as a staff member, but she is looking for a camp name – well, we’re looking for a camp name for her! Some information to help: What’s your favourite colour – Green Do you have any pets – I had one dog…

Here comes the rain: A day in the life of a waterfront staff at Kalalla 2018 6:30 – wake up to the sound of rain. Hope it’s just the trees dripping. Decide to do polar bear dip anyway. 6:45 – wake up campers with enthusiasm! 7:00 – stand in light rain as campers arrive at waterfront. Encourage them that it’s not that cold. Campers realize it’s not that cold. 7:30 – convince campers to get out of the water, since they’re having so much fun!…

Wow, was camp ever wet this year! Even though it thunderstormed every day of camp, spirits weren’t dampened. Between crafts, DT, and impromptu games and singalongs, there was lots of indoor fun to be had. Waterfront remained open and busy – it turns out that it’s fun to swim in the rain! The weather cleared up for water regatta, but then the power went out and the dance was replaced by a super fun singalong with kazoos. Another highlight was the talent show, where our…

Hello Staffers, Campers, and Followers! Camp Kalalla 2018 is in sight! The other day, I was brushing my teeth and I thought, “In less than a week, I am going to be brushing my teeth, With my best friends, at camp… WOOHOO!” (Yes, I actually yelled “WOOHOO” from my bathroom..) So this year we are planning our themed lunches ahead of time. For those who don’t know, we always have a really cool theme to bring some life to our lunches! So you can choose…

{{unknown}}Hi Friends! Camp is right around the corner, and I wanted to share this letter I found online. Hope you enjoy! Heinz<3 A letter to my child’s staff person – by Michael Brandwein How strange it is that I’ve never met you and in a few days you will become the most important person in my life. I suppose you’ve been told that already: “These are other people’s children – their most cherished loved ones; they’d actually give up their own life before they would let…

I first went to Camp back in 1998 as a wee little unit 1 camper. I should start off by explaining that my family’s history with Camp Kalalla began long before I ever attended. Two of my aunts attended Kalalla during their childhood (let’s do them a favour and not count how many years ago that was) and as soon as we became of age, my cousin, sister and I joined the Kalalla Girls family and never looked back. For the next 8 years each…

Every year campers get out the Kalalla packing list (available under the “Forms” section of the website), and while it is thorough, I always find myself annotating it with a few extra items. So here are the top ten things I add to my camp packing list. Extra socks. You will always need more socks than you think, and since they take up so little space, there’s no harm in adding a few extra pairs. My go-to number is two pairs per day. An extra…

Alright, ladies, the final countdown is on! T-minus 5 days until camp! With that in mind, I thought I would share my top five pre-camp prep tips! Gather all your camp supplies into one area. This first step may seem obvious, but I always make sure to gather all my supplies together and take a quick inventory. This helps to figure out what you have, and what you need to buy. Make sure to keep your camp list handy, so you can check things off…